ABSTRACT
RESEARCH PAPER: Evaluation of New Graduate Nurses’ Perceptions of Mentoring
STUDENT: Amber K. Harpe
DEGREE: Masters of Science
COLLEGE: College of Applied Sciences and Technology
DATE: May, 2012
PAGES: 58
Mentoring new registered nurses helps to ensure a successful transition to
professional practice (Beecroft, Santner, Lacy, Kunzman & Dorey, 2006). The purpose of
this study is to evaluate specific components of new registered nurse satisfaction of a
nurse mentoring program: (a) the compatibility of the mentor/mentee; (b) perceptions of
guidance and support; (c) socialization into the profession; (d) the benefits of role model
acquisition of professional behaviors; (e) maintenance of contact between the
mentor/mentee; and (f) overall satisfaction with the mentorship program. This is a
modified replication of Beecroft et al.'s (2006) study which was part of a larger study.
The framework for the study is based on Borich and Jemelka's (1982) Education
Decision Model for Program Evaluation, and Gefke’s (1999) Six Phases of Mentoring.
The anticipated sample is 200 new registered nurses who have completed a mentoring
program within the past 2 years while employed at Community Health Network located
in central Indiana. Community Health Network is a healthcare organization which
includes 8 acute care hospitals throughout the central Indiana area. An eight question
survey tool designed by Beecroft et al. (2006) will be used to measure the study
variables. Information about the new registered nurse perception of mentoring programs
will be helpful in restructuring future mentoring programs.